The victim, 20-year-old Christian James, was reported missing Tuesday evening by his mother. His car was found on a dirt part of Elliott Road in McDonough on Wednesday, and James was found beaten in a wooded area nearby.

Henry County Police Sgt. Joey Smith said James met up with acquaintances, including 23-year-old Cody Parrott, at around midnight Monday. The two got into an argument, and Parrott allegedly beat James unconscious, then drove him to Elliott Road and left him and the car there.

James was discovered by a police sergeant who had joined the search for him, Smith said.

Parrott was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. James was taken to Atlanta Medical Center to be treated for exposure and his beating injuries.